How Does a Dental Bridge Compare to Implants and Dentures?

We are often asked how a dental bridge compares with other cosmetic solutions for replacing teeth. Typically when you have experienced tooth loss, there are three main options you can select from for replacing the missing tooth or teeth. You can wear dentures, have a dental bridge placed, or dental implants surgery. The options can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with dentistry and in our office, we can help with all three. With that in mind, here is what you need to know:

• Dentures: This is the oldest way of replacing teeth in the modern world. Even George Washington wore them but back then dentures were made of animal bone and human teeth whereas now, dentures are made of more durable synthetic materials that look and feel more natural. Today’s dentures are created using an impression of your teeth and gums so that the fit is perfectly snug.
• Dental bridge. A dental bridge is a permanent yet non-surgical way to replace missing teeth. This makes it a preferable option for many of our patients that are uncomfortable with the idea of having to take dentures out at night, worrying about them falling out of place, and any inconvenience that may be associated with a temporary solution. With a bridge, once it is placed, you no longer have to think about it and will care for it like natural teeth. It is created by placing a dental crown on the two teeth surrounding the missing one. These crowns serve to hold the bridge in place since the bridge itself is a gum-colored surface that a new tooth is attached to. This is a viable solution for replacing several teeth at a time, and many of our patients prefer this method since it is a hybrid between dentures and implants.
• Dental implants. If you want to have a tooth surgically replaced, dental implants are an excellent option because a titanium post is implanted under the gum line and secured to the jawbone. Through a process called osseointegration, the bone and metal fuse together to create a new synthetic root system. This serves two purposes as it can replace a tooth esthetically and also strengthens the jawbone, preventing further bone loss. Once the surgical aspect of the procedure is healed, a new tooth can be attached at the surface of the gum line and the result is a tooth that looks, feels and behaves like a natural one would. It is the most durable solution but also the most time consuming since surgery is involved.

In our dental office, we can replace your missing teeth using any of these three procedures and just because you select one, doesn't mean that you can't change your mind in the future. If for example, you start with dentures and feel like they are slipping out of place, you can switch to wearing a dental bridge since it provides you with stability. During your dental exam, we can discuss all of your options so that you can make an informed decision as to how to proceed.